DCNA Calls on Howard University to Resume Negotiations with AFSCME

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)The District of Columbia Nurses Association (DCNA) on Friday urged Howard University President Sidney Ribeau to resume contract negotiations with AFSCME Local 2094. The union -- an affiliate of National Nurses United which represents over 500 health care professionals employed at the Howard University Hospital -- is also urging its members to turn out for AFSCME’s rally Wednesday. DCNA advised President Ribeau that the University’s decision to force an impasse in negotiations (Howard University Hospital Workers Battle Unionbusting, 2/10/2012 UC) “could result in a disruption of services and care to patients and their families at Howard University Hospital.” DCNA also noted that “the best labor policy is to address even the most difficult issues in a collaborative and mutually respectful manner.  Failure of management to exercise restraint may result in a further deterioration of labor management relations and will ultimately benefit no one, including, most important, the community which Howard University Hospital serves.”